Foreword by Phillip V. Tobias
The introduction of rhesus macaques to Cayo Santiago, Puerto Rico in 1938, and the subsequent development of the CPRC for biomedical research, continues its long history of stimulating studies in physical anthropology. The CPRC monkey colonies, and the precise demographic data on the derived skeletal collection in the Center’s Laboratory of Primate Morphology and Genetics (LPMG), provide rare opportunities for morphological, developmental, functional, genetic, and behavioral studies across the life span of rhesus macaques as a species, and as a primate model for humans. The book grows out of a symposium Wang is organizing for the 78th annual meeting of the American Association of Physical Anthropologists to be held in April 2009.

This collection of reviews will be of considerable interests to biologists and MDs working on any aspect of cardiovascular function. With state-of-the-art reviews written by competent experts in the field, the content is also of interest for MSc and PhD students in most fields of cardiovascular physiology.

This book provides a comprehensive overview of the molecular basis of developmental and stem cell regulation. It revisits some of the classical models of developmental biology and puts them in context with the findings of modern stem cell research and developmental biology.

The book presents a multi-disciplinary approach to understanding mechanisms regulating the formation of mineral in vertebrate skeletal and dental tissues. The focus of the book is directed toward the mineralization process, an evolutionarily conserved system in which cells synthesize a complex and unique extracellular matrix into which mineral is deposited. Regulatory control is viewed though lenses that emphasize the genetic, physical-chemical, biochemical, structural, cellular and extracellular aspects of the mineralization process as they relate to crystal nucleation, growth and maturation. Throughout the book, defects in regulation at the genetic and transcriptional levels are linked to the numerous clinical problems associated with the mineralization of bone, cartilage, tendon, tooth, and soft tissues.

This richly illustrated book explores the fascinating and ubiquitous occurrence of spirals and vortices in human culture and in nature. Spiral forms have been used as elements in the arts for thousands of years, whereas their role in nature and science – from DNA and sea shells to galaxies – is still a topic of investigation in numerous fields. Following an introduction to the cultural history of spiral forms, the book presents contributions from leading experts, who describe the origins, mechanisms and dynamics of spirals and vortices in their special fields. As a whole the book provides a valuable source of information, while also taking the reader on an aesthetic and scientific journey through the world of spiral forms.

In very general terms, "scaling" can be defined as the structural and func­ tional consequences of differences in size (or scale) among organisms of more or less similar design. Interest in certain aspects of body size and scaling in primate biology (e. g. , relative brain size) dates to the turn of the century, and scientific debate and dialogue on numerous aspects of this general subject have continued to be a primary concern of primatologists, physical an­ thropologists, and other vertebrate biologists up to the present.

Skeletal muscle is the most abundant tissue of our body. Apart from its essential role in locomotion, it is also the body’s main store of carbohydrate and protein as well as being one of the principal generators of heat. Its proper maintenance and function are, therefore, essential. A severe acute loss of muscle function is potentially lethal and the debilitating effects of chronic decline in mobility are commonplace experience, so repair and maintenance of the tissue must by both rapid and effective. Since the middle of the last century we have progressively built up a comprehensive descriptive model of the allied mechanisms that maintain our muscles at a size and strength appropriate to the functional demands upon them and that rapidly repair damaged muscles. This volume is an assemblage of the collective experience from the pick of major research groups investigating these aspects of muscle cell biology. The topics range from correlation of changes in pattern of gene expression with the histological sequence during a regenerative episode to the distinctive insult-specific patterns of structural and functional outcome at the other end of the spectrum. The middle ground – who is doing what in this complex process – constitutes the meat of this sandwich.

A cutting-edge new vision of biology that will revise our concept of what life itself is, how to enhance it, and what possibilities it offers.

This book reviews the interface of stem cell biology and biomaterials for regenerative medicine. It presents the applications of biomaterials to support stem cell growth and regeneration. The book discusses the stem cell interactions’ with nanofiber, gradient biomaterial, polymer- and ceramic biomaterials, integrating top-down and bottom-up approaches, adhesive properties of stem cells on materials, cell-laden hydrogels, micro-and nanospheres, de-cellularization techniques, and use of porous scaffolds. Further, this book provides a basic introduction to the fabrication techniques for creating various biomaterials that can be used for stem cell differentiation.

This book explores the therapeutic approaches of stem cells and stem cell-derived exosomes against neurodegenerative disorders (NDDs). The initial chapters introduce different neurodegenerative diseases and discuss the mechanistic aspects of their progression. The subsequent chapters cover strategies for the isolation, characterization, and differentiation of stem cells. In turn, the book reviews the protective role of stem cells against neurological disorders and examines regenerative approaches to treat neurological diseases using mesenchymal stem cells. The book also presents induced pluripotent stem cell (iPSC) technology for cellular therapy, drug screening, and in-vitro modeling of neurodegenerative diseases. Lastly, the book discusses the role of stem cells and derived exosomes as a novel therapeutic agent against Alzheimer's and Parkinson's disease and in associated signaling molecules involved in neuroprotection. This book is an invaluable source for researchers working towards understanding the potential of stem cell therapy in neurodegenerative disorders.

An exploration of the transformative ways in which nature has inspired the technological advancement of humankind.

This book reviews the interface of stem cell biology and biomaterials for regenerative medicine. It presents the applications of biomaterials to support stem cell growth and regeneration. The book discusses the stem cell interactions’ with nanofiber, gradient biomaterial, polymer- and ceramic biomaterials, integrating top-down and bottom-up approaches, adhesive properties of stem cells on materials, cell-laden hydrogels, micro-and nanospheres, de-cellularization techniques, and use of porous scaffolds. Further, this book provides a basic introduction to the fabrication techniques for creating various biomaterials that can be used for stem cell differentiation.

Epigenetic modifications comprise heritable gene expression changes that occur without alteration of the DNA sequence and 'co-act' with genetic factors to shape development processes and evolutionary trajectories. Multicellular organisms receive different types of environmental stimuli/stresses that trigger epigenetic modifications during development. These environmentally driven mechanisms represent an underlying cause of phenotypic diversity, especially in metazoans. This book aims to present some of the latest epigenetic insights into the development of metazoans (including humans) as an intersection between their ecology and evolution.